USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1950 > Part 25
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Pension
Total Retirement Allowances
General Employees:
Men
2
$ 159.96
$ 4,561.80
$ 4,721.76
Women
1
71.40
565.92
637.32
Firemen and
Policemen
3
357.60
5,856.24
6,213.84
Total
6
$ 588.96
$10,983.96
$11,572.92
Dependent Beneficiaries of Deceased Employees and Employee Beneficiaries
Group
No.
Annuities
Pension
Total Retirement Allowances
Men
....
Women
3
$ 337.92
$ 2,406.72
$ 2,744.64
Total
3
$ 337.92
$ 2,406.72
$ 2,744.64
GRAND TOTAL ..
25
$2,868.48
$26,063.64
$28,932.12
.....
.......
..
386
ANNUAL REPORTS
SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT SYSTEM Balance Sheet, December 31, 1950
Assets
Investments
$1,227,344.69
Deposits in Banks
33,000.00
Cash
42,610.04
Accrued Interest
7,690.54
$1,310,645.27
Liabilities
Annuity Savings Fund, 5 %
$754,590.30
Annuity Reserve Fund, 5 %
34,703.05
Pension Fund, 5 %
274,679.02
Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 5 %
21,681.79
Annuity Savings Fund, 4 %
30,034.07
Annuity Reserve Fund, 4 %
13,461.12
Pension Accumulation Fund, 4 %
138,165.31
Pension Reserve Fund, 4 %
37,144.50
Special Fund for Military Service Credit, 4 %
2,800.11
Expense Fund
3,386.00
$1,310,645.27
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR YEAR 1950
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1950 ..
$36,058.25
Contributions by Members:
4 %
$ 2,026.89
5 %
114,672.42
Redeposits
4,517.17
Transfers from other Sys-
212.33
121,428.81
Contributions by City:
4 %
$21,196.30
5 %
22,741.20
43,937.50
Reimbursement from other Systems
31.27
Income from Investments
34,293.86
Redemption of Securities
15,122.39
$250,872.08
Expenditures
Purchase of Securities
$121,370.45
Accrued Interest on Securi-
ties Purchased
639.94
Pension Payments:
4 %
$21,158.28
5 %
22,137.47
43,295.75
tems
Receipts
387
RETIREMENT BOARD
Annuity Payments:
4 %
$ 2,684.97 2,730.26
5 %
5,415.23
Refunds:
4 %
$ 2,266.22
5 %
27,477.66
29,743.88
Transfers to other Systems .. Administration Expenses ...
754.53 7,042.26
Cash on hand 12/31/50
42,610.04
$250,872.08
SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT BOARD EDMUND L. KELLEHER, Chairman DANIEL A. DOWNEY, Vice-Chairman HELEN E. VARNERIN
388
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY, INC.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1950
June 12, 1951
Honorable John M. Lynch Mayor of the City of Somerville City Hall Somerville, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Mayor:
Herewith we are sending to you and the Board of Aldermen the Third Annual Report of the Somerville Housing Authority, covering its activities for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The Authority - whose projects are numbered among the most successful in the State - has already provided 226 apartments for veterans of low income, and their families, and it is anticipating that an additional 240 units will shortly be available for occupancy.
Its achievements are due, in no small measure, to the members of its staff, who have worked hard to achieve the re- sults attained, and to the time and energy devoted to the task by its members - both past and present - who have given more than 2000 hours of voluntary service to the advancement of the cause of public housing.
Also, the Authority is deeply appreciative of the whole- hearted support received from you and from the members of the Board of Aldermen - as well as from the Governor and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Authority is proud of its record and sincerely hopes that the service rendered has been of value to Somerville and particularly to those veterans for whom homes have already been provided and those for whom additional housing is now in process of completion.
Very truly yours, Somerville Housing Authority, CHARLES MARTIGNETTE, Chairman
389
HOUSING AUTHORITY
At the adjourned meeting of the Somerville Housing Authority, held on Wednesday, January 10, 1950, the follow- ing officers were elected:
Charles G. Martignette-Chairman George Taylor-Vice-Chairman Oscar P. Grove-Treasurer Walter A. Burdett-Member * Thomas W. Bowe-Member
* In November, 1950, Mr. Thomas Bowe resigned as representative of the State Housing Board. He was succeeded by Charles J. Murphy, who was appointed by Governor Dever to fill his unexpired term.
OPERATING STATEMENT For Year Ending December 31, 1950 CHAPTER 372
Linden Avenue
On February 12, 1948, construction was completed. A total of 5 two-family units was built at a cost of $112,785.22.
These homes were designed as two-family frame dwellings, consisting of 41/2 rooms on each of the first and second floors. They have been occupied since February 5, 1948, by veterans of WORLD WAR II and their families at a rental of $45.00 per month.
Gross Income for 1950 was $5,400.00.
Clarendon Hill
On September 28, 1948, construction was completed at Clarendon Hill. A total of 48 apartments, consisting of three, four and five rooms, was occupied on October 1, 1948.
This type of building is known as the multiple-apartment type, first-class construction, three-story walk-up. Electric refrigerators and electric ranges, built-in kitchen cabinets, continuous hot water and janitor service were provided to the tenants - all veterans of WORLD WAR II and their families.
The cost per unit for these apartments was $9905, which was the lowest per unit cost for construction in the Common- wealth of Massachusetts.
390
ANNUAL REPORTS
The cost of construction of these buildings was $498,789.35. Conversion of Clarendon Hill from Chapter 372 to Chapter 200 took place in December, 1949.
In April, 1949, construction was started on the balance of the land at Clarendon Hill, for the erection of 7 multiple- apartment buildings, consisting of 24 apartments each - a total of 168 units. Completion of this project was effected in April, 1950. It is known as State-Aided Housing Project 200-1 and consists of 21 five-room apartments, 126 four-room apartments and 21 three-room apartments. The rents in this project are based upon the veteran's income and the number of minor dependants.
Gross income from the above project was $110,112.75. The current operating expense, without any provision being made for the retirement of the debt, was $47,711.13, leaving a net profit of $62,717.13.
As of December 31, 1950, this project was in the develop- ment stage.
CHAPTER 200
Mystic Avenue
In December, 1949, plans were drawn for the construction of 10 multiple-type apartment buildings, first-class construc- tion, 3-story walk-ups, containing 240 units. In March, 1950, ground was broken at the Fiske Estate, bordering on Butler Drive and Mystic Avenue, and actual work was started that same day.
It is the hope of the Authority that this project - which is known as State-Aided Housing Project 200-2 - will be ready for occupancy within a few months.
STATEMENT OF POLICY IN TENANT SELECTION CHAPTER 372
Order of Preference
1. Veterans of WORLD WAR II and their dependants, who are without housing; families separated because of the lack of housing; also those who, because of certain evic- tion, will be without housing.
Each must have the ability to pay the prescribed rent.
2. Veterans of WORLD WAR II, with children, who are living in places not designed for family life or were otherwise inadequately equipped with living facilities.
391
HOUSING AUTHORITY
3. Veterans of WORLD WAR II, with children, who are actually doubled up under conditions detrimental to proper living.
Mystic Avenue Project
At the present time preparations are being made to screen and investigate - to determine the eligibility of veterans in regard to present housing conditions, employment and income.
The Authority plans to select tenants very soon, with the hope that the units will be ready for occupancy when the in- vestigation is completed.
Urban Redevelopment
Early in the year the Authority, cognizant of the need for a long range program of city planning and Urban Redevelop- ment, sent the following significant communication to the Mayor:
"Honorable John M. Lynch, Mayor City Hall Somerville, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Mayor:
In addition to its activities in the field of hous- ing, the Somerville Housing Authority is cognizant of the great need in Somerville for the immediate formation of a policy of long range planning that we may fully participate in the pending program of Urban Redevelopment. We are mutually charged with a grave responsibility for the future of Somer- ville and the well being of unborn generations de- pends upon whether we plan wisely, well, or not at all.
It is, as you so well appreciate, a time for cour- age and for vision and above all, for action. To the generations that have gone before us, to our con- temporaries, and to those that come after us, we owe a grave duty.
It is our understanding that the City of Somer- ville is at this time entitled to receive under Title I
392
ANNUAL REPORTS
of the National Housing Act, a program reservation of some three hundred sixty five thousand ($365,- 000) dollars in outright Federal grants in the next two years for Urban Redevelopment studies and to meet any losses that may be incurred between the cost of acquiring, clearing and preparing land for re- development and its fair resale price for new use.
Redevelopment projects for which these funds may be used and for which the Housing Authority is the administrative agency include not only the clearance of sub-standard housing for new housing, but also the development of sites occupied by sub- standard housing for other uses including recrea- tion, industry and commerce. These redevelopment projects may be sold or leased to private developers. It is our Authority's feeling that through Urban Re- development a start can be made in improving hous- ing and living conditions in Somerville, attracting new private investment in our city, in strengthening our tax base, and revitalizing a city that is faced with grave problems.
In order to carry out these desirable objectives for the best interests of Somerville, the Housing Authority needs the guidance and full co-operation of the City Government. A long range policy on the development of our City is absolutely essential so that such expenditures may be wisely and benefi- cially made. This principle has been recognized by the Federal Government which calls for a general city plan as a prerequisite for obtaining Federal funds. Section 105 of the National Housing Act of 1949 regarding the need for a general plan reads as follows:
'Sec. 105. Contracts for financial aid shall be made only with a duly authorized local public agency and shall require that-
(a) The redevelopment plan for the project area be approved by the governing body of the lo- cality in which the project is situated, and that such approval include findings by the governing body that (I) the financial aid to be provided in the con- tract is necessary to enable the land in the project area to be redeveloped in accordance with the re-
393
HOUSING AUTHORITY
development plan; (II) the redevelopment plans for the redevelopment areas in the locality will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs for the locality as a whole, for the redevelop- ment of such areas by private enterprise; and (III) the redevelopment plan conforms to a general plan for the redevelopment of the locality as a whole . . '
This sovereign Authority is most anxious to carry its responsibilities in the replanning and re- development of Somerville out. It cannot act, how- ever, without a policy on the part of the sovereign city relative to long-range development. By Massa- chusetts law such a policy is the responsibility of a local planning board. As you know, other Massa- chusetts municipalities have been carrying out city planning activities vigorously and are now in a good position to make the best use of Federal funds that will be made available. We would like to see Somer- ville in the same rank as other Massachusetts municipalities in this respect.
Time is growing short. Action must be taken before July 1, 1950 and it should be well con- sidered.
We are grateful for the state of mutual co- operation we now enjoy and will be happy to co-oper- ate with you further in the immediate problem of planning for a program of Urban Redevelopment for Somerville.
Very truly yours,
CHARLES G. MARTIGNETTE Chairman“
By July this resulted in the Board of Aldermen, acting upon a communication from the Mayor, passing of a corrected order, requesting of the Federal Government a reservation of $369,320.00 in capital grant funds for Urban Redevelopment in Somerville.
Mr. Corish, our counsel, conducted Mr. Robinson of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, who flew up from Wash- ington, in a personal on-the-spot tour of Somerville, pointing out the historic, geographic and economic background of the
394
ANNUAL REPORTS
city, its traffic arteries, railroad facilities, its mixed land uses and its glaring examples of municipal obsolescence. The same day a conference was held with the Mayor and the program outlined.
A comprehensive report was prepared, describing Somer- ville's historical background, the major factors affecting plan- ning and reconstruction of several older sections, and the Authority's analysis of the possibilities of such areas under the Urban Redevelopment Program. This report was reviewed in Washington as part of the voluminous file submitted with our application for an advance of funds to permit further detailed study of what might be accomplished under this program and shortly before the end of the year unofficial word was received that the Authority's application for $21,700.00 in preliminary planning funds, also approved by the City, had been granted and that the program might well be in operation by the Spring of 1951.
As of December 31, 1950, this Authority was one of the two or three most advanced in the State with respect to the progress made in this field. The Authority waited only for formal, final approval by the Division of Slum Clearance and Urban Redevelopment in Washington to establish a Redevelop- ment Section within the Housing Authority to carry forward this challenging program under the direction and supervision of the members of the Authority.
ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS EMPLOYED
Architects
Contractor
Linden Avenue
M. A. Dyer Company
Grande & Son
Clarendon Avenue
1 st 2 Buildings
7 Additional Buildings
M. A. Dyer Company M. A. Dyer Company
John Bowen Company G. L. Rugo & Sons, Inc.
Mystic Avenue
M. A. Dyer Company
Calumet Construction Co.
395
INDEX
INDEX
Address, Mayor John M. Lynch 5
Appeal, Board of, Report of
327
Assessors, Board of, Report of Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 359
358
City Auditor, Report of 13
Appropriations
21
Balance Sheet
14
Borrowing Capacity, Dec. 31, 1950
42
Cash Statement
18, 19, 20
Classified Debt Jan. 1, 1950
37
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
34
County of Middlesex
34
Detail of Estimated Receipts in 1950
31
Excess and Deficiency Account
46
Funded Debt 37, Insert 42
Interest Requirements on Funded Debt 1950
Insert 42
Interest Requirements on Funded Debt (Six Years)
41
Interest Requirements on Present City Debt to Maturity
Insert 40
Loans Increasing the Debt
37
Maturities on Funded Debt 1951
39
Maturities on Funded Debt (Six Years)
40
Maturities Reducing the Debt
37
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
16
Overlay Accounts
43
Receipts and Expenditures, Classification
48-91
Refunds
91
Schedule of Public Property
92-95
Statement of Appropriations (Revenue) 1950
21-27
Statement of Revenue and Expenses 1950
35
Statement of Other Revenue Accounts 1950
29-30
Statement of Appropriations (Non-Revenue)
28
Tailings
47
Taxes
38
Tax Possessions
47
Tax Titles
46
Temporary Loans 1950
36
Trust and Invested Funds
17
City Clerk, Report of
103
Births
106
Deaths
107
Licenses and Permits
105
Marriages
106
Payments
105
Receipts
103
396
ANNUAL REPORTS
City Engineer, Report of
268
Engineering Division 269
273
Parks and Playgrounds Division Sewer Division 271
City Government and Officers for 1950
108
City Solicitor, Report of 354
City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, Report of
96
Bonds Due in 1951
102
Bond Interest-Due 1951
Insert 102
Bond Maturities with Interest, Yearly
101
Cash Statement
97
Commitment by Assessors
98
Funded Debt as of December 31, 1950
100
Motor Vehicle Excise
98
Loans, All Other 101
Temporary Loans
99
Commissioner of Public Buildings (see Public Buildings Com- missioner)
330
Commissioner of Streets (see Street Commissioner)
276
Commissioner of Water (see Water Commissioner) 300
Commissioner of Electric Lines and Lights, Report of
348
Fire Alarm System
348
Inspection of Wiring in Buildings
348
Police Signal System
350
Street Lighting
351
Traffic Signals
350
Dental Hygiene, Report of
253
Election Commissioners, Board of, Report of
366
Expenses
Jurors
368
List Registered Voters
371
Listing Board, Report of
369
Nomination Papers Initiative Petitions
367
Registration
366
State Primary (Democratic)
372
State Primary (Republican)
375
State Election
378
Recounts
368
Fire Department, Chief of, Report of
361
Alarms and Losses
361
Classification of Alarms
361
Manual Force
362
Memoriam
362
Health, Board of, Report of
238
Dental Hygiene, Report of
253, Insert 252
Diseases, Schools, list of
243
Funeral Directors
244
Health Nurses, Report of
245
368
397
INDEX
Infant Hygiene, Clinics
244
Inspection of Animals and Provisions, Report of
249
Inspection of Animals and Veterinarian, Report of 250
Inspection of Milk and Vinegar, Report of
251
Medical Inspection of Schools
241
Medical Inspection, Report of
247
Mortality Statistics
239
Permits and Licenses 238
Specimens and Supplies
241
Housing Authority, Report of 388
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar, Report of
251
Law Department, Report of
354
Licensing Commission, Report of
343
Medical Inspection, Report of 247
247
Tuberculosis
247
Planning Board
364
Police, Chief of, Report of
315
Arrests
315
Changes in Department
326
Roster of Department
324
Public Buildings, Commissioner, Report of
330
Building Permits Issued
341
Distribution of Expenditures
342
Estimated Cost New Buildings and Alterations
342
Fees Collected
341
Maintenance of Municipal Buildings
330-341
Public Library
254
Board of Trustees and Officers
254
Report of Librarian
260
Report of Trustees
259
Organization of Library and Staff Personnel
254
Statistics
266
Public Welfare, Department of
305
Aid to Dependent Children
307
City Home, Reports of Superintendent
309
City Physician, Report of
310
Full Support
306
Members of Board, Committee, Officers, etc.
305
Old Age Assistance
307
Partial Support
306
Population and Gross Expenditures
308
Report of General Agent
306, 311
Reimbursements
308
Recreation Commission, Report of
114
Retirement System 384
Diphtheria Immunization
398
ANNUAL REPORTS
Sanitary Department, Report of
Collection of Ashes and Paper
352
School Department 123
Appendix Contents of (Summary of Statistics)
166
Graduates-High School
208
Junior High Schools
214
Evening High Schools Vocational School
221
222
School Committees and Office Force
124-125
Somerville Teachers' Club
206
Somerville High School
202
Somerville High School Athletic Association
205
Superintendent of Schools, Report of 127
Teachers in Service
224
Sealer of Weights and Measures
355
Sewers (see City Engineer)
268
Street Commissioner, Report of
276
Sidewalks and Highway Maintenance
277
Snow and Ice
276
Street Cleaning
277
Suppression of Moths
278
Traffic Control
278
List of Streets
279
Veterans' Services, Report of
329, Insert 329
Water Commissioner, Report of
300
Hydrants, Gates, etc.
303
Appropriations and Expenditures
300
Summary Pipes and Fixtures
302
Summary and Statistics
302
Water Consumption
301
352
.
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